Putnam County Common Pleas Court
Jan. 4
William J. Brown, 38, Dayton, pleaded guilty to aggravated trafficking in drugs. He faces between 8-12 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Bond was continued while a presentence investigation is conducted with sentencing set for 1:45 p.m. Feb. 5. Upon agreement of the parties, any illegal drugs seized in the within action will be forfeited to the arresting agency.
Brown, was charged along with Gregory A. Preston, 32, Cincinnati, indicted on aggravated trafficking in drugs and aggravated possession of drugs and Sparkle S. McGuire, 26, Dayton, charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. Preston pleaded guilty to aggravated trafficking in drugs and is set to be sentenced on Feb. 5 while McGuire is scheduled for a change of plea hearing scheduled for Jan. 18.
According to court records, the three were accused of transporting nearly 200 grams of methamphetamines to a residence on North Water Street in Fort Jennings on Aug. 4. They were arrested following a controlled drug buy conducted by the FBI and a confidential informant. Records show the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office had received complaints from neighbors in mid-July of suspicious activity at the Water Street residence with vehicles coming and going “all hours of the day.” A confidential agent provided information in early August that an unknown male would be transporting up to two pounds of methamphetamines and a small amount of crack cocaine to Fort Jennings for sale.
Travis Soto, 37, Napoleon, charged with aggravated murder, felonious assault, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence regarding the death of his two-year-old son, made a motion during a pretrial to request an eye examination. With no objection from the state, Putnam County Common Pleas Court Judge Keith Schierloh ordered county jail officials to schedule an eye appointment for Soto and inform the court when the exam will take place. Soto has been jailed since August 2016 after confessing to law enforcement officials that he intended to kill his son after striking him with an all-terrain vehicle in 2006. Soto originally served five years in prison on charges of child endangerment in connection to that incident.
Jan. 8
Makenna J. Klausing 24, Ottoville, was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $24,555.26. Klausing was convicted on a charge of vehicular assault.
Dereck R. Butcher, 41, Bluffton, was ordered to pay an amended amount of restitution in the amount of $762. He had been convicted of attempted felonious assault.
Jan. 9
Ryan L. Hefner, Sr., 48, Columbus Grove, was sentenced to 300 days in jail for violating community control standards. The violations included failing to report to his supervising officer as required. He was given credit for 251 days served and placed on five years community control. He must obtain and maintain employment and successfully complete all counseling and treatment recommended. He was originally convicted of possession of drugs (heroin).
Jan. 10
Victor B. Lomeli, 46, Leipsic, pleaded guilty to domestic violence. He faces up to 36 months in prison and $10,000 in fines. Bond was continued while a presentence investigation is conducted with sentencing set for 11:30 a.m. Feb 22. A charge of felonious assault was dismissed. The jury trial scheduled for Feb. 6 was vacated.
Miranda Keller, Columbus Grove, was granted a divorce from Christian Keller, Continental. They were married June 9, 2022 and have one child.
Jan. 11
Manuel T. Bartsch, 36, Leipsic, was found in violation of community control. The violations included failing to comply with drug testing on numerous occasions. Sentencing on the matter was scheduled for 2 p.m. On Jan. 18. He was originally convicted of possession of a fentanyl-related compound.
Steven J. Nienberg, 35, Leavittsburg, was granted judicial release and ordered to serve a six-month term at the WORTH Center. He was also placed on five years community control.
Prestige Financial, Services, Inc., Draper, Utah, was granted a judgment against Jenna Brink, Continental, and Susan M. Volbert, Continental in the amount of $31,320.80, plus interest.
New Cases
Jeovante Marks, Columbus Grove, v. Elizabeth Marks, Wapakoneta; divorce without children.
Forster Trucking & Excavating, LLC, Continental, v. YNG, LLC, Rensselaer, Ind.; other civil ($17,100).
Putnam County Municipal Court dispositions
Jan. 8
Alexander L. Pardo, 30, Leipsic, pleaded guilty to failure to reinstate license. Sentence: 180 days jail, 100 days suspended, $150 fine. He was also fined $150 for drug paraphernalia.
Russell Zuniga, 32, Leipsic, pleaded guilty to second-offense OVI. Sentence: Six points, 180 days jail, 160 days suspended, $1,000 fine, $475 suspended, two-year license suspension, and complete a drug and alcohol assessment. Charges of OVI, left of center, seat belt violation and failure to control were dismissed.
Ken Schroeder, 62, Ottawa, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of disorderly conduct. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, $250 fine.
Matthew Aguirre, 34, Columbus Grove, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of disorderly conduct. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, $75 fine.
Christopher L. Kirk, 35, Van Wert, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of criminal mischief (victim was a household member). Sentence: 60 days jail, 59 days suspended, $150 fine and complete a mental health assessment. A charge of assault was dismissed.
Emanuel O. Toto, 19, Leipsic, was fined $150 for wrongful entrusment.
Jan. 9
Edgar V. Ramirez, 44, Leipsic, was fined $150 for driving without a valid license.
Aurelio Hernandez Diaz, 19, Leipsic, was fined $150 for driving without a valid license.
Putnam County Municipal Court judgments
Jan. 2
Finwise Bank, Louisville, Ky., default judgment v. Cody Robey, Columbus Grove, $1,956.12, plus interest and costs.
Bluffton Hospital, default judgment v. Beverly J. Buehrer, Leipsic, $78.85, plus interest and costs.
Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay, default judgment v. Beverly J. Buehrer, Leipsic, $3,890.18, plus interest and costs.
Blanchard Valley Medical Practice, Findlay, default judgment v. Beverly J. Buehrer, Leipsic, $124.58, plus interest and costs.
Blanchard Valley Health System, Findlay, default judgment v. Beverly J. Buehrer, Leipsic, $879.94, plus interest and costs.
Specialty Physicians of Blanchard, Findlay, default judgment v. Beverly J. Buehrer, Leipsic, $432.96, plus interest and costs.
Jan. 9
LVNV Funding, LLC, Greenville, S.C., default judgment v. Ethan A. Misamore, Pandora, $11,525.04, plus interest and costs.
Bluffton Hospital, default judgment v. Harlee N. Rubey, Columbus Grove, $555.75, plus interest and costs.
Blanchard Valley Medical Practice, Findlay, default judgment v. Harlee N. Rubey, $222.19, Columbus Grove, plus interest and costs.
Specialty Physicians of Blanchard, Findlay, default judgment v. Harlee N. Rubey, $25.27, Columbus Grove, plus interest and costs.
American Express National Bank, Sandy, Utah, default judgment v. Alexander Sanchez, Ottawa, $7,170.85, plus costs.
